How to Protect Your Plumbing Pipes During Winter

La Porte gets an average of 60 inches of snow every year. The cold season extends for just over four months, and temperatures tend to drop dramatically during this time. January is often the coldest month of winter. It is also when homeowners are more stressed about their plumbing system than usual.

When it gets too cold (below freezing), plumbing pipes can freeze, whether they are made of copper, PVC, or PEX. When pipes freeze, it can lead to extreme damage and expensive repairs.

The following guide includes expert tips to protect the pipes in your La Porte home. It also highlights the best strategies to follow in case a pipe freezes.

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What to Know About Frozen Pipes

La Porte is not the only area where frozen pipes may become a problem. The risk is spread throughout Central Indiana.

Your home likely has several unheated areas, including the garage, attic, and crawl space. The pipes here and those that run along exterior walls are more vulnerable to plummeting temperatures.

Outside your home, your sprinkler lines, hose bibs, and pool supply lines are also at risk when the temperature drops.

Taking the right steps to prevent water from freezing inside any of these pipes is crucial. Water can freeze inside metal and plastic pipes.

Excessive pressure builds inside the pipe as the moving water keeps rushing against the ice blockage. If the blockage is not cleared, the pipe can burst, leaking water into your home.

Preparing Your Home and Pipes for Winter

You should take several steps to prepare your home and protect your pipes from the cold. The first thing to do is look for your home’s main shutoff valve. If a pipe freezes, you must shut off the water completely.

Then proceed to sealing basements, attics, and garages to keep the cold out. It is important to replace broken windows in these areas. Even if they are slightly cracked, the cracks will allow cold air inside.

The easiest way to seal these colder spaces is through caulking and weather stripping. You can add extra insulation where necessary.

All exposed pipes in these areas should be insulated. Foam sleeves or heat tape tend to work well.

Tending to Outdoor Plumbing and Fixtures

Your outdoor pipes and hose bibs need extra protection against hard freeze temperatures. Never leave your garden hoses attached to bibs, as the water inside them may freeze. This can damage both hoses and bibs.

Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them in your insulated and sealed garage. You should also close the shutoff valves behind your garden spigots. If you have a secondary water system for your sprinklers, the shutoff valve will likely be near the water meter.

Also, consider covering your spigots and bibs with insulated covers. If possible, install frost-free bibs.

What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze

If your outdoor pipes freeze, you may not notice the problem right away. However, if the pipe cracks while frozen and the water eventually thaws, you will have a major leak.

This type of damage can happen to a pipe hiding inside a wall. This will create even more issues, and you will likely notice them too late.

If you turn on an outdoor faucet and no water comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open and find the section of the pipe that enters the exterior wall. It is likely here that the water is frozen in the pipe.

You can use a hair dryer or warm towels to thaw the pipe. If water starts running from the spigot (outside), the pipe is beginning to thaw. If nothing happens, you will need to call a professional plumber for help.

If you have a frozen pipe inside your home, you need to check whether the pipe is cracked or broken. If not, you can try to thaw the ice inside. If the pipe is damaged, you should not attempt to thaw it on your own. Thawing a broken pipe will lead to flooding in your home.

Extra Measures to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter

Whether you stay in La Porte or move away during winter, it is crucial to take extra steps to protect your plumbing system.

Set the thermostat to the same temperature day and night. This is a good way of keeping your house warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. When it gets very cold, let water drip from a faucet. This will keep the water running, making it harder to freeze.

Keep your garage doors closed, especially if water supply lines and pipes are in there. But keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open so warmer air gets into contact with the pipes.

Act Now to Prevent Damage Later

Winterizing your home may seem like a lot of work, but it is extremely worth it compared to the damage you will prevent.

You should prepare your home as early as possible, long before the first hard freeze of winter arrives. The faster you move, the more your home and plumbing will be protected.

Summers PHC Can Help You Keep Your Plumbing Safe In Winter

The last thing you want to deal with in winter is frozen pipes. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling will ensure you do not have to. Our team can help you protect your home and plumbing system from severe cold.

Schedule your next maintenance, inspection, or repair today, and do not forget to check out our local specials. Call 219-797-6185 or book a service online.